Backbone Of Healthcare Delivery

Nurses are often under-appreciated, despite their critical role in improving outcomes and quality of care

- Dr Shankar Narang

With over 75% of India’s healthcare workforce comprising nursing staff alone, the role of nurses in healthcare delivery in terms of promotion, prevention, treatment, care and rehabilitation is crucial to the smooth functioning of the system. Nurses are frequently overlooked and often under-appreciated despite their critical role in improving therapy outcomes and quality of care.

History of Nursing Profession

Nursing as a formal practice did not appear in India’s healthcare systems until the 17th century. Most villages had an experienced individual practiced in the art of medicine, delivery of newborns and caring for the sick and the wounded. In the 17th century, the Portuguese military inducted formal nurses into their ranks at local bases. The English East India Company began the first hospital that applied the principles of Western medicine at Fort St. George, Madras, in 1664, and was meant to serve its soldiers stationed at the garrison. Gradually, other hospitals came up at Fort Williams (Calcutta), Neyyoor and other places.

The Government General Hospital at Madras began the first formal training for nurses and midwives in 1871. Thereafter, various other nursing schools took off across India between the 18th and 19th centuries. During this time, no uniform educational standards were being followed in nursing education.